U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesperson
For Immediate Release
On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I send our best wishes to the people of Brazil as you celebrate the 194th anniversary of your nation’s independence on September 7.
Just over a month ago, I had the honor of visiting Brazil as head of the U.S. delegation to the 2016 Olympic Games in the “Cidade Maravilhosa” of Rio de Janeiro. I congratulate Brazil for its extraordinary efforts in hosting a resoundingly successful Olympics, and look forward to a similarly successful Paralympics Games as well.
My visit to Brazil was a reminder of the longstanding partnership that our countries enjoy. The United States was the first nation to recognize Brazil’s independence, and we continue to work together closely on such vital issues as sustainable economic development, curbing climate change, and enhancing respect for the rule of law. As the two largest democracies in the Western Hemisphere, we share increasing people-to-people ties, and know that when challenges arise, we are each stronger when we are able to work together.
Congratulations to all Brazilians on this special day.
